The recent opening of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility on The University of Alabama campus marks a significant milestone in advancing water science and technology and presents unprecedented opportunities for UA faculty members to enhance their water research.
“The HIF provides unique research capabilities not found elsewhere, including sensor evaluation, calibration and testing in various hydrological scenarios,” said Dr. Mark Cheng, professor in UA’s College of Engineering.
The HIF’s presence at UA provides access to state-of-the-art equipment and resources essential for conducting cutting-edge research. This facility not only houses a world-class hydraulics lab but also offers the opportunity to engage directly with USGS experts, enabling academic and federal collaborative research that can address some of the most pressing water-related challenges facing the nation.
“What we’ve effectively done by bringing this facility here and USGS partnering with us is we’re marrying water modeling and forecasting, which happens at the NOAA National Water Center, with water observations, which is happening here at the USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility,” said Matt Womble, executive director of the Alabama Water Institute.
By working alongside USGS professionals, faculty members can participate in the evaluation and creation of new water monitoring technologies, as well as the research impact of existing hydrologic equipment.
“For a river scientist like me, the tilting flume in particular has a lot of exciting research potential,” said Dr. Lisa Davis, UA associate professor of geography. “The tilting flume is a time machine! It will allow scientists to understand how things came to be and how they could change in the future because it can simulate the effects of changes in the bed slope of a river in a matter of minutes or hours. In nature, these same processes take millions of years to occur.”
The HIF will undoubtedly enhance the faculty’s ability to secure research funding, publish influential studies, and contribute to the development of innovative solutions that address water hazards, such as floods and storm surges.
Furthermore, the HIF’s role in advancing the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System Program aligns seamlessly with the University’s emphasis on water research as a signature academic focus. Faculty members will have the unique opportunity to contribute to national and international water research initiatives, fostering an environment where transformative discoveries can emerge.
“The USGS’s commitment to developing next-generation water observing technologies, especially in mobile platforms and connected devices, aligns closely with my research interests,” said Dr. Aijun Song, UA associate professor of electrical and computer engineering. “The presence of the HIF will introduce new research opportunities in underwater autonomous vehicles and the next generation of Internet-of-Things to my research team.”
The integration of the HIF with UA underscores the growing prominence of the University as a national hub for water-related research.
“Tuscaloosa is definitely becoming the place for water resources, science and operations for the country,” said Nate Booth, senior advisor for USGS Water Resources.